Wednesday 30 December 2015

Goodbye 2015

print from KF Prints on Etsy

It is that time of year when I get to stop and reflect on the past year and what a year it has been! I turned 40, graduated and started my first job as a qualified radiographer. Twelve months ago I was knee deep in research for my dissertation, which I loved and if I am honest I actually now miss.  I was also preparing to embark on a twelve week clinical placement and knew that my final weeks as a student were getting closer.  But the hard work paid off and I was awarded top marks for my dissertation, achieved first class honours for my degree and awarded the prize for best dissertation on results day. When I first started on this new career path I never for one moment thought I would achieve so much and there were moments when I did wonder if I would finish.  But I did it, little ol' me, passed with flying colours!  

The icing on the cake for me this year came in the form of a job offer from the hospital at which I trained.  Whilst many people were surprised I didn't chose to work closer to home, I made a career choice and wanted to be part of a busy department, working with a team I knew.  Certainly the past six months have been incredibly busy with the transition being fairly smooth from student to radiographer and never have I regretted my decision to stay where I trained.  

So 2015 was definitely amazing regarding study and career.  On a more personal level, I am thankful to have the continuing support of Andy.  I know that there are days when he and the children wish I didn't commute so far, that I was here when they woke up in the morning or when they returned home from school.  But they have been incredibly accepting of this new way of life, that mummy has a career that means she isn't always there.  Although there are still days when Kitty asks if I can work from home again, I know it will get easier for all of us with time.

As a family we have passed more milestones - Andy turned 50, Amber became a teenager, Connor passed his driving test first time, Connor and Jack had an amazing set of AS and GCSE results, Connor received an unconditional offer at UEA to read history next September, Amber passed her Grade IV flute exam, Lucy started her GCSE years, Kitty performed her first flute solo in the Christmas concert.  Not a bad year really!

After such an amazing year I am truly thankful and am looking forward to seeing what 2016 has in store for myself, Andy and our children.  One thing for sure is that we will grab opportunities with both hands, enjoy and cherish every moment.  

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Sunday 8 November 2015

World Radiography Day



Today is a very important day for my profession, a day to celebrate everything in the world  of X-rays.  Every year on 8 November it is World Radiography Day. A time to celebrate the progress of this amazing part of health science.  However I also believe it is a fantastic opportunity to promote the profession.  Even though most people have heard of x-rays and scans few people know what radiography or a radiographer is, never mind what they actually do.  In the past when I have mentioned radiotherapy or being a therapeutic radiographer there has even been a comment about being like Fraiser! Oh how that made me smile.....although I think I am more like Roz in this fab comedy show.  Yet I can assure you my job is nowhere nearly as glamorous as hosting a radio show and I am by no means a therapist.

Whenever you have a x-ray or a scan or receive radiotherapy treatment you will be imaged or treated by a radiographer. As part of the allied health professionals workforce we are not nurses or doctors but are an important part of many patients care.  Diagnostic imaging is an incredibly important part of so many peoples visit to hospital, without it doctors would struggle with so many diagnosis.  Radiotherapy is used to treat so many types of cancer and also relies on diagnostic imaging, especially to help minimise dose to normal tissue and protecting patients organs surrounding their tumour.  Whilst it is clear there are different types of imaging, not all involving radiation and with this there are different roles within the world of radiography, I still worry about how misunderstood my profession is. Fear not I am not about to get on my soapbox or start a marketing campaign to promote my profession, well not today anyway!  For now I will happily direct you to the Society of Radiographers website if you want to learn more about radiography, as I head off to the village green for the Rememberance Sunday service.....did you know the armed forces have Radiographers? See there is still so much I need to share about radiography.....

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 2 November 2015

The Year in Books - November



Sadly these past few months I have had to stop participating in 'The Year in Books' organised by Laura at  Circle of Pine Trees, due to time restrictions. Yet I feel now would be a good time to join again, especially as cosy winter evenings are perfect for snuggling up with a good book.  My reading list recently has been quite varied as always.  A favourite in the past few months has been 'Where She Went' by Gayle Forman, the follow up to the amazing young adult novel 'If I Stay'.  This was one of those books I did not want to end but hungrily read on as I needed to know what happened.  Forman is definitely an author I will be reading again very soon and encourage anybody to try, even if like me you are not a young adult.  

So what will I be reading in November?  After a recent trip to the library I returned armed with books I have been wanting to read for a while.  First up is the tale of an adventure up the west coast of America.  'Wild - A Journey from Lost to Found' by Cheryl Strayed has been dramatised as a movie recently but as always I have chosen to read the book first.  Having loved books like 'Eat, Pray, Love' I am sure 'Wild' will be spiritually uplifting for me as the reader as I join her on her incredible journey.  Next up this month is an autobiographical journey with a lady I have admired for many years, Jo Whiley.  Over the years Jo has had a big influence over my musical choices and I just love her style and friendly yet incredibly cool way of dj-ing, so am looking forward to reading 'My World in Motion'.

Maybe two books are ambitious but I think it's about time I got back to reading reguarly again and know both of these books will keep me enthralled.  What will you be reading this month? Perhaps join in with The Year in Books? Find out more on Laura's blog here.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Four Months In

Yes I know it's been a while since I wrote here but life has been busy.  It is now four months since I started my new job.  Having spent three years juggling studying and clinical placements with family life I thought working full time would be a breeze.  In all honesty it's exhausting!  Even though I am not actually studying at the moment the learning curve as a newly qualified radiographer is very steep.  Every shift you work you are still learning, improving on the skills you gained as a student and developing as a professional person.  These past four months I have learnt so much, gaining confidence in my skills and ability.  Yet I know there is still so much I will have to learn, skills to develop.  But the best part is that I work with an amazing team who support me as I gain confidence and are constantly teaching me more about the actual job.  

So four months in do I have any regrets? Do I still love the career I chose?  Thankfully no regrets, although there are days when I wish I could be home in half an hour instead of an hour and ten minutes!  But how many people realistically work close to home? Probably not that many and if so is it out of convenience rather than choosing the better place to work?  And of course I still love my new career.  As somebody who loves to learn this is the ideal career for me.  I know that I can study again in the near future, starting my Masters.  I would also still love to be involved in research, helping to improve service delivery, gaining a better understanding about cancer and its impact on peoples lives, throughout treatment and beyond.  Those long drives home are perfect for exploring ideas that are brewing in my head.  But for now I need to focus on completing my preceptorship and being the best radiographer I can be.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Thursday 3 September 2015

How Does the Renault Grand Scenic Cope with a Camping Trip?



Loaded to the gunnels with  enough camping gear to see us through a week or more we headed off to Camp Bestival in a Renault Grand Scenic.  As the boys had decided to stay at home this year, we had the extra space in the back, as the two rear seats were neatly packed away.  So far, so good, but we were yet to see how comfy this car was on a long journey.




Firstly the navigation system needed some attention, beeping every time you went two miles over the speed limit.  Whilst I agree, this is a great feature however after twenty minutes or so we set this to silent!  Don't worry we are safe drivers and do observe speed limits, but this was definitely an annoying feature.  Having owned a Renault Espace in the past we had always loved all the cubby holes and the dip in the dashboard always seemed perfect for transporting home a baguette.  Yet the Grand Scenic somehow seemed lacking in cubby holes and like most cars these days had a deep dash, probably housing all those electronics that tell us we are two miles over the speed limit!






So that's the negatives out of the way lets consider what is great about this family car.  Most importantly it is very economical.  We tested the Dynamique Tom Tom dCi 110 model and completed the 500 mile round trip, fully loaded, on less than a tank of diesel.  Impressive? Absolutely! Especially as most of this was on motorways and has actually encouraged me to consider a diesel when replacing my car, as a 100 mile round trip four times a week gets pricey.  Yet as it is a diesel model it can feel a little sluggish initially but soon makes up for this midrange.  With economy getting a firm five stars, I would also award interior space and layout combinations the same rating.  Having test driven various cars I am reluctant to award five stars for comfort however the Grand Scenic was by no means the least comfortable car I have driven.  So I think a fair four stars for comfort, although there was ample legroom, which some MPV's lack.  Another plus point for me was the reversing sensors, I am still pants at reverse parking so any gadget or aid is very welcomed.  




Overall the Renault Grand Scenic is an impressive family vehicle, offering ample space.  Although I would recommend a roof box if you were using all seven seats and heading off with a lot of luggage and/or camping gear.  Most impressive for me was fuel economy and I think even on more urban journeys it would fair well in comparison to other family cars.  Would I recommend the Grand Scenic to others? Yes I would, it is a good, sturdy, economical family car that provides the versatility of additional seats.

For the full spec please visit Renualt's website.

Until next time, take care,
Zoe
xo

Disclaimer - Thank you to Renault for providing the Grand Scenic for review


Friday 28 August 2015

Being Grateful - Changing Seasons



Any British person will have spent the last few weeks having a little moan about the weather, the rain, the not so warm days that we would expect for summer.  Yes as a nation we are a little obsessed with the weather, it's always a go to topic of conversation.  However today the rain has stopped, the sun is shining and there seems a distinct autumnal feel to this brighter day.  Living in the countryside the landscape changes as the months roll past, with farmers working round the clock right now to clear the fields of crops as harvest time approaches.  The nights are starting to draw in and it's not been quite as light when I crawl out of bed at 5.20am on work days.  But as much as some will moan that summer never really got started, I am thankful to live somewhere that changes every few months.  I cannot imagine living in a place that has a similar temperature daily, that never sees the trees spectacular display on autumnal golds, that never has a late summer hazy glow or bushes filled with berries, plump and ready to be eaten.  Every season offers so many different things and brings with it different moods, recipes and activites.  So instead of moaning about the lack of hot summer days I am getting excited for autumn along with thought of apple and blackberry crumble, finding conkers, digging out my favourite jumpers for walks in the forest or on the beach and of course Saturday evenings watching Strictly and Sunday afternoons crafting with the girls.  

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 24 August 2015

Lost : One Blogging Mojo



Yes it's true I have lost my blogging mojo, which for me is quite hard.  Blogging has been part of my life for the past six years but recently life has taken over and the thought of sitting down to write has been furthest from my thoughts.  I know many bloggers take a break in August, some time out to enjoy life without writing about it, which is probably just what I needed to do.  The past few weeks have seen some big changes in my life, so taking some time out from blogging was very much needed.  Yet now I feel I should be returning here, to my lovely little blogging home, but I can't quite find the inspiration or motivation.  For a long time blogging was a big part of my career, I had to blog to pay the bills.  Now it is my hobby, my space, a place for me to reflect, to share my thoughts and maybe even inspire other women. Maybe this is what I need to remember, it is my space.  So with a few days annual leave, in between two important birthdays, I aim to find my blogging mojo and rediscover the reason I love to write.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Our Festi Family Holiday




Having spent the past fornight almost constantly checking the weather forecast, last Thursday we headed to Dorset ready for a weekend of festival fun at Camp Bestival.  Laden with wellies, suncream, blankets, flipflops and much more besides we were ready for whatever the weather had in store for us.  Thankfully the wellies were not required, but lashings of suncream were.  Again we were blessed with gorgeous summer sunshine as we had endless fun in the grounds of Lulworth Castle.  






This year was a little different for us, as the boys had decided that although the musical line up looked good, the days at Camp Bestival were a tad boring for them.  So after much deliberation we agreed they could stay at home, with promises of no parties.  Without the extra muscle power of two strapping teenage lads, Andy and I decided to book Camping Plus, allowing us to have a specific pitch.  However we made this decision quite late so had to settle for a pitch very close to the festival entrance and a bit of a walk from the car park.  But having previously pitched in the main campsites, we were still parked closer to our pitch than previous years.  The added bonus of real toilets and plenty of showers in the Camping Plus field more than made up for the struggle across the field with all of our camping gear.  There was also The Tea Bus a short stroll form our tent, which was a lifesaver ont he Thursday lunchtime when we hadn't managed to get the kettle and stove from the car just yet.  






Previous years had been about the activities but this year it would seem that music was very much on the agenda, not just for Andy and I but for the girls too.  With a fantastic line up over the weekend, there were performances we did not want to miss.  Clean Bandit headlined the Castle Stage on Friday night and certainly did not disappoint.  Under a starlit sky we danced until late, this year even Kitty was determined to stay up, sleepily crawling into her sleeping bag at midnight.  Saturday saw us running between stages as Andy and I wanted to see Level 42 on the Castle Stage and I also did not want to miss one of my current favourites, The Shires, who were performing at the Big Top.  Thankfully the schedulers had thought about this possible clash so I was able to catch both performances.  So after a sing along and dance to The Shires and being able to share a more up close concert with Lucy and Amber, we headed back to join Andy and Kitty at the Castle Stage for Kaiser Chiefs, who were disappointingly not as great as I had hoped.  With such an eclectic mix of music we were really being spoilt, but it was not over yet!  Sunday saw us running down the hill from Camping Plus, abandoning plans to pack up the tent, as we could hear Ella Henderson on earlier than scheduled.  Another benefit of being so close to the festival! After returning from packing up the car we headed back to complete our musical adventure with performances from Bob Geldof, Soul II Soul and Ella Eyre.  In the warm summer sun Jazzie B and the band transported me back to long summer days of my sixth form years and Ella Eyre provided that musical bond with my daughters, as we all sang along.



Whilst the music seemed to take over our weekend plans we still made time for many more activities within the festival.  A trip in to the cool shade of Dingly Dell was welcomed and again the girls completed several of the National Trust challenges, but we never did get back to make whistles from carrots.  Previous years had seen us spend alot of time in the circus skills area and this year was not very different.  Kitty became obessesed with hula hooping and spent ages trying to do all sorts of tricks.  Another must was to pop to Art Town and the girls also wanted to visit the Energiser tent to decorate a headtorch as well as going to the Hello Kitty garden, where the girls had tattoo's and we dressed up in the selfie photo booth!  They also managed to do one of the craft workshops at the Volvo tent as well as enjoying a coffee and a cinnamon bun sat on comfy cushions whilst the girls made floral wreaths.




Food is another big part of the festival experience for us, as we keenly visited the Feast Collective, the Farmers Market and many other foodie stands and stalls.  Tasting the numerous flavours of Belvoir Fruits cordials, gorging on bread and cakes from different stalls in the Farmers Market and taking our taste buds on an international food fest in the Feast Collective.  DJ BBQ was still the best place to get a burger ever and Camper Coffee, near the Yorkshire Tea Tent, made the best coffee ever, which always made the waiting in the long queue worth it.  




Whilst Camp Bestival seemed a lot busier this year, the festival vibe was certainly turned up to full blast.  Parades a plenty and random performances around the castle grounds led to an amazing weekend.  Sometimes it was just good to stop and sit for a while, watching and listening.  One of our favourite moments was on Saturday morning, hearing a steel drum band, The Steelers, playing songs from current bands.  We then thankfully stumbled across their 'proper' performance in the Big Top on Sunday afternoon.  That's the thing about a festival, you never quite know what you will see and hear and for me that is when the best memories are made.

So thank you Camp Bestival, we had a blast and will treasure the memories you gave us forever.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Wednesday 15 July 2015

Camp Bestival - Let's Go Wild

Part of the fun at festivals is dressing up, with many having a theme for the weekend.  This year the theme at Camp Bestival is Wild. With guests including Michela Strachan and Steve Backshall it makes me think of wildlife and the Really Wild Show! So I have been thinking about costumes for the girls and maybe myself for Saturday at Camp B, which is the traditional fancy dress day.  So of course I popped on to Pinterest for some inspiration, looking for fox masks, feather headdresses and much more besides.  Here are my favourites so far -


Animal Mask Templates from Emma Magazine


Woodland Creature Masks from Hoosier Homemade


Ladybird Costume Tutorial from HGTV
There is also a butterfly, dragonfly and bumblebee costume tutorial on this link.


This would make a fab owl costume


I love this Leaf Girl costume from Alpha Mom


Feather Crown tutorial from The Wonder Forest

So what will you be dressing up as? Be sure to share photos with me!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo




Monday 13 July 2015

First Two Weeks As a Qualified Radiographer

Well I have survived my first two weeks and can honestly say that I love my new job.  No longer being a student is strange but good and will take a while to get used to.  Returning as a qualified member of staff to my training hospital has proven to be beneficial, knowing my way around, already knowing staff names aswell as knowing how to use Varian equipment.  So far the transistion has been smooth and as of last Friday I am no longer supernumerary, which in itself is a milestone.  A scary milestone as I am now responsible every time I set up a patient and beam on! 

Many newly qualified's take the summer off before starting their first job, enjoying that last summer of freedom before many years of working.  However I chose to just have the three weeks, as I really wanted to start earning money but also because everything was still fresh in my memory.  Often returning to placement after the long summers meant I take a week or two to get back in the way of working. That's the problem with being a mature student! 

So I am now just waiting for my new uniform and name badge to arrive and then I think I will really feel like a real radiographer!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Friday 10 July 2015

Summer Drinks For The Weekend

With the working week almost done and the weekend calling our names, I am sure I am not the only one looking forward to a cold drink in the garden or heading out with friends. Having collected some delicious drinks ideas over on Pinterest I thought I would share a few with you here, to help get the weekend started!


Limoncello and Raspberry Prosecco Cooler


Vodka Mint Lemonade



Rhubarb and Elderflower Mojito

Enjoy your weekend! Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo




Wednesday 8 July 2015

Redecorating the House

During my time off I started redecorating the house.  We have been in our home for five years now and the rooms are all starting to look tired.  There are nasty paint scars left from wall stickers in the girls rooms, covered now by postcards and prints.  Whilst the hall and lounge walls are starting to look grubby and the boys would like a new colour on their walls having recently changed their furniture to create a more grown up space to accommodate them through the latter part of their teen years.  However I chose to start with the bathroom as I felt with all these big rooms to be painted I wanted to build up to it and started with the smallest two rooms of the house.  But now I have painted these rooms it has highlighted that the floors are in desperate need of an update!  So when Carpetright recently contacted me to discuss flooring options I was interested to see what they had to offer.

            
Bathroom Flooring



Obviously I am looking for something suitable for the bathroom and toilet, so that it is not going to be spoilt by water splashes.  Andy and I had been considering laminate or vinyl, the latter being easier to fit in a small space and to be cut to size.  Having been disappointed by a large diy stores selection of vinyl flooring I was interested to see if Carpetright offered a better choice.  Well I was not disappointed!  Firstly you can chose which room the vinyl flooring is for to make sure you get the right finish.  Secondly the choice was vast, with over 250 options of vinyl flooring for the bathroom alone!  Spoilt for choice I decided to take a look at the buying guide to see if it helped me narrow down my ideas, as I liked both the wooden and stone tile style. This would also prove very handy when it came to measuring up to avoid gaps.  

Still undecided about the style we want Andy and I have narrowed it down to four options and ordered some samples.  Hopefully this will help us decide! In the meantime I'm planning the next room to be redecorated.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 6 July 2015

Camp Bestival Countdown

This weekend we headed to Midsummer Music, the little music festival in our village which is held every other year.  Crazily I had agreed to play in the orchestra, having not played properly for several years, I was amazed that I could still play my clarinet.  The weather was amazing, although it was perhaps a little too warm for playing and I know some of the bands performing longer sets suffered a little in the blazing sunshine.  Sat listening to some talented local performers and bands, Andy and I realised it was only four weeks until Camp Bestival.  Time to get organised!


Having been several times now we know what to expect and have added to and removed things from our list.  The essential camping kit is at the top of the list, but this is a festival so there always extras added to the list.  Aswell as doing things slightly differently to normal camping, eg. no glass bottles, not being able to refreeze ice packs.  So looking at my list from last year, which you can find in this post  I am deciding if there any extras to add and what I still need to buy.  I think some new bunting is required and I have just brought a new camping kitchen stand from Vango.  Amber and Kitty are keen to have a minion windsock, but at almost £25 I think we will make do with our old flag, although if I have the time I would like to try and rustle up one that matches the retro scout badge style of the Camp Bestival logo this year!

Any essentials you will be taking to festivals this year? 

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 29 June 2015

Time to Celebrate

Last Friday was results day, a day I had been waiting for and dreading too. What if I had failed my final assignment? But I needn't have worried, I passed, with flying colours.  When I started my degree almost three years ago I hoped to gain a 2:1, never in a million years did I think a first class result was within my grasp.  Yes I worked hard, bloody hard a lot of the time, but to achieve top marks wasn't my goal.  But when I was awarded a 1+ for my dissertation, mixed in with a few other firsts from different assignments, Andy joked that I may just get a first for my whole degree.  I laughed it off, but started to wonder if I could do it?

WelÅ‚ I did it! I was awarded a first class honours Batchelor of Science degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology.  I am officially a qualified radiographer and am on the HCPC register, having started my new job today.  After months of hard work, occasional tears, stressful moments, I can honestly say every moment was worth it.  To top it all off I was awarded the Monroe Prize for my dissertation and have been nominated by my lecturers for the SoR Student Radiographer of the Year.  Now that really is the icing on the cake!

So I am now contemplating which letters after my name come first! B.A or B.Sc?! Also this weekend Andy and I set a challenge.....first to get a Masters. Watch this space, or pop back in a 3-4 years to see who wins!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo 

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Stuck in a Hair Rut


Not quite brave enough for this, but love it!

Tomorrow I am heading to the hairdressers for a long over due cut and blow dry.  Even more excitingly is my hairdresser is back from maternity leave.  She knows my hair and knows how I like it cut.  But I am feeling a bit stuck in a hair rut.  I seem to have had the same style for several years, infact I don't want to think exactly how long.  When I was younger I was braver, changing style and colour quite reguarly.  Then I got stuck, opting for an easy style, long enough to tie up if I wanted to or more usually because I was rushing to get the children to nursery or school.  But as I prepare to start a new chapter in my life and also recently turning forty, I feel I need a change.  I am very tempted to try a long bob, still just about long enough to tie back if I am having a bad hair day.  So what's stopping me?  It's festival and camping season, which means no readily available electric supply to plug my straightners into.  My hair has a tendency to frizz  and can be quite pouffy if left to its own devices.  

So do I risk it and go a bit shorter or should I wait until autumn for a new style?

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 15 June 2015

Barriers in Womens Healthcare

Today sees the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week, with Jo's Trust and The Eve Appeal joining forces to hopefully encourage us all to ensure we have a smear test.  Whilst the Jade Goody effect saw more younger women heading to their GP's for their often dreaded appointment, older women are still not taking up the chance of an appointment.  Cervical cancer is not just a young womans disease, even though prevalence is greater in the under thirties age group.  

As a woman in now in her...ahem...forties, finding time for that appointment is difficult.  Even though I am only expected to attend every three years and it only takes five minutes, there are barriers.  Unfortunately my GP's surgery doesn't open beyond 6pm, which really doesn't fit with my working hours, as I am never home before 7pm.  Getting through the automated answer service to actually speak to a receptionist requires a degree and then the voice at the end of the phone is often condescending as you explain you can only attend on a particular date.  Just trying to work out exactly which date is complicated, making sure it is mid cycle and on my rota'd day off!  Perhaps Occupational Health at my NHS Trust could offer appointments for women to have their smear test, making it easier for the hundreds of women working at the hospital, avoiding those barriers that delay or prevent an appointment being made.

An even scarier thought is if I had symptoms that indicated signs of gynaecological cancers is the time it would take to make that first visit to the GP.  Getting an appointment to see a female doctor is nye on impossible, at my surgery they seem to only work part time.  Nevermind negoiating with the receptionist, who readily asks far more questions than necessary and beyond their need to know just to book me an appointment.  

So before we tut or get cross at women for not attending their smear tests or not getting to the doctors sooner with symptoms, we need to make womens healthcare services more accessible.  This is the 21st century, we should not have to use valuable annual leave to have a very necessary test, that could save our lives.  As I have said before, do not ignore that dreaded letter, inviting you for a test that you would rather not have. Getting through the barriers and having your smear test can really save your life.  

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 8 June 2015

Learner Drivers - When Your Children Turn 17


Maybe one day!

In the midst of finishing my degree my eldest son turned 17.  For Connor this is incredibly exciting as he can learn to drive, counting down over the past few years to this moment.  Whilst learning to drive seems a right of passage the moment you turn seventeen, it is certainly an expensive one.  Driving lessons are not cheap, to the extent that I slightly envy a driving instructors wage.  Although in all honesty I could not teach people to drive! A single hours lesson seems to be avoided these days, with a compulsory two hour lesson, preferably on a weekly basis.  Block bookings are no longer encouraged with no discounts for booking ten hours in advance.

But the spiraling cost does not stop at the lessons.  Before even booking a lesson Connor of course needed a provisional licence. Next up was booking his theory test, thankfully that was only £25. After just four hours of lessons, his instructor told him that a total of 30 hours should see him to pass his driving test.  Which actually isn't to bad as I think the average is about 40, so hopefully saving us £250.  Extra practice time in my car will help, so today I will be contacting my insurance company to see how much this will add to my monthly direct debit.  

Whilst the pounds vanish I keep reminding myself how important learning to drive is, especially to Connor, who has eagerly awaited this moment for a long time.  Giving him the freedom that a driving licence provides is essential, especially when we live in the Suffolk countryside.  He will be able to drive to school, to a part time job, to help Andy and I with the various drop offs and pick ups of his siblings.  Having not learnt to drive until I was 33, having not managed to pass before heading off to uni at 18 then never quite getting around to it in the following years, I know the freedom that being able to drive provides.  So for the next few weeks I will smile as I hand over another bundle of ten pound notes!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Friday 5 June 2015

Finished My Degree!

Well that's it, I have finished my degree. Yesterday I worked my final shift as a student radiographer. Emotions only got the better of me when I said my thank yous and goodbye to my clinical lecturer.  Over the past three years she has been there, when it all got too much, when I really wasn't sure I would make it to the end.  Without her I am not sure yesterday would have happened, that I actually finished.  To have a good clinical lecturer is a blessing and I actually feel I should have handed her a bottle of good champagne rather than flowers yesterday, as she wasn't just good she was incredible and feel very fortunate to call her a friend and to be working with her very soon.

Deciding to start the degree took time, there were days when I walked in to the hospital and questioned myself, my decision to retrain.  Taking any degree is hard, but taking a health degree can be incredibly tough.  Deadlines loom when you are in the middle of a ten week placement block, the job you do is stressful and you are constantly learning during every shift you work. Throw homelife in to the mix, teenage tantrums, GCSE's and AS exams, new schools, as well as everybody getting used to me not being around so much.  Nevermind giving up an income and getting used to commuting to placement. Whilst my clinical lecturer was there when I had a wobble, Andy and the children were my support at home.  Without encouraging words, a shoulder to cry on, an understanding look when I was particuarly stressed with my dissertation, I may not have made it.  Andy is my rock and his support these past three years has been incredible.  Even on my most stressful days my children made me laugh, reminded me that they were one of the reasons I chose to retrain.

But I did it, I finished and three weeks today I will qualify.  When people ask what I do for a living I can proudly say, 'I'm a radiographer'.  

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo
  

Monday 1 June 2015

The Feast Collective at Camp Bestival


Obviously the music is the main reason I go to festivals but being a bit of a foodie, the food is a big draw for me too.  Last year saw the arrival of the Feast Collective at Camp Bestival and boy what a feast we had!  Our taste buds went on travels across continents as we all tried many dishes over the weekend.  For me the shashuka is still my favourite dish of the festival and I now regularly make it at home.  Andy and the boys loved the delicious burgers from DJ BBQ and the tandori fries from Baba G.  

Looking at the foodie line up for this year I know we will not be disappointed, as some old favourites return.  Even more exciting is the new additions to the Feast Collective - Happy Maki, Seadog, Shrimpy, The Thoroughly Wild Meat Co. to name a few. Nevermind Caravan Coffee to feed our coffee addiction and the fabulous Helen of the Knackered Mothers Wine Club is hosting another wine tasting.  

The best thing of all about the Feast Collective is that it is affordable.  When feeding a small tribe of hungry children at a festival you don't want to have to remortgage your house.  So delicious food, with flavours from around the world, that fills us all up and we get some change in our pocket too.

Did you head to the Feast Collective last year? Who was your favourite vendor?  I would love to know.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Disclosure - This year I am one of the official Camp Bestival bloggers, working with them to share my top tips and reviewing the festival.  They have kindly given us a family weekend ticket, however all opinions are my own.



Sunday 24 May 2015

Wow What A Week!

Well it has been a very busy couple of weeks and really quite stressful too, but all worth it.  Last week I visited another hospital to see some treatments that we don't do at my clinical placement site.  Heading to London on the train was a welcome break from my normal commute and I actually caught up on reading my favourite magazines.  A warm welcome greeted me when I arrived and it was really informative seeing how a different radiotherapy worked.  Taking time to organise elective placements was important to me and I still have a couple more in the next few weeks.  So if you are offered the chance for electives, take it, go somewhere that does something that you haven't seen, ask questions, be interested in other staffs and departments approaches to treatment.

This week has been even busier and really quite stressful.  My final assignment was due in on Friday and I had my first interview for a newly qualified radiographer job.  No pressure then! Also just to add to the mix, dissertation results were released on Thursday, just hours before my interview.  I managed to get the assignment done and dusted by Wednesday and finished off revising for my interview on my study day.  With shaking hands I nervously logged on to the uni website at 6am on Thursday to get my dissertation results......a 1+.....I had to look three times to be certain.  To be honest it still hasn't quite sunk in but I am absolutely thrilled, all the hard work paid off.  For months I had given up my weekends, reading journal articles, getting to grips with research methodologies, writing my dissertation.

Off I headed for interview, nervously entering my placement hospital, hoping that I could perform well enough to be offered a job.  I came away feeling it had gone well but not convinced I would get the job, having got in muddle about a planning technique!  Also having prepared for all sorts of scenario questions I was disappointed that the interview questions hadn't really covered these.  But there was no need to panic, I got the job.  I am so pleased to be joining the team at my placement hospital as a Band 5 radiographer, I am sure knowing the staff and how things are done within the department will be very beneficial as I start my new career.

So a busy week indeed! Whilst I can't guess my final degree classification I am closer to being awarded a first.  I never dreamed of that when I began this journey nearly three years ago.  Just five more weeks and I will know the outcome.

Good luck to all student radiographers heading off to interviews in the coming weeks and for results day.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Saturday 9 May 2015

Camp Bestival - Official Blogger


Yes it's true I will be joining the fantabulous Camp Bestival team again as an official blogger.  I am thrilled to be working with the team again and we are all very excited already.  Nevermind how amazing the line up is, Kaiser Chiefs, The Shires, Soul II Soul (need I say more?!), Camp Bestival is our favourite festival and truly is the place where memories are made that will be cherished forever.  

Over the coming weeks I will be bringing you the latest news and any additions to the line up as well as my top tips and the things we are planning to do.  In the meantime you can read about our adventures at Camp Bestival last summer before booking your tickets at www.campbestival.net!

Have a fabulous weekend and until next time take care.
Zoe
xo

Friday 8 May 2015

Inspiring A Future Generation of Radiographers

Last term Kitty was learning about the human body as part of her Year 3 science topic and was very interested in naming bones and discovering how different things inside her worked.  Obviously I was thrilled to see such enthusiasm and answered her many questions each evening.  Towards the end of term she asked if I could come in and talk about seeing inside our bodies as her interest in my new career has continued.  Of course I jumped at the chance, I have always loved spending time in the classroom and relished the opportunity to talk about x-rays to 7 and 8 year olds.  Thankfully Kitty's teacher was as keen for me to visit, so soon after handing in my dissertation I planned my talk. Getting Kitty involved in preparing a short powerpoint presentation helped me gauge what her friends would be interested in.  Soon we were searching for x-rays of animals, child friendly x-ray machines and CT scanners, as well as some interesting fracture images.
  
By keeping it simple, asking about the childrens own experience of x-rays and giving them an insight into how we can see inside our bodies, kept their interest.  Hands were raised with numerous questions waiting to be asked.  For me this was exciting to see such enthusiasm about radiography at a young age.  Whilst universities regularly visit careers events for GCSE and A level students to promote courses in both diagnostic and therapeutic radiography I believe we are missing more exposure for our profession. The national curriculum and the exam syllabuses offer us ample opportunities to share our knowledge and grab the attention of the future radiography workforce. Quick, simple talks in primary schools for Kitty's age group when they are learning about the human body, radiation is part of the GCSE Physics syllabus, Lucy learnt all about cancer and radiotherapy in her Year 9 biology lessons.  I truly believe with some planning there is great opportunity for radiographers to be involved with schools when discussing these more specialist areas of the curriculum, 

Perhaps this is what the national curriculum lacks, the collaborations with various professionals. But that's a another post entirely!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Monday 27 April 2015

Dementia Friends

Last week I attended a lecture, as part of interprofessional learning, about communication and distressed behaviours in dementia.  To be honest I have not had first hand experience of caring for somebody with dementia, but I wanted to be prepared for helping patients I am treating.  Obviously from the perspective of a radiographer there are issues of consent with a patient who has dementia and also getting them to stay still for the procedure or treatment.  Thankfully this lecture was very informative and I now feel more able to help a patient with dementia.  Taking time to understand this illness has helped me enormously and I really hope that a similar lecture is available for health students nationwide.  As the future NHS workforce we should be better informed, even if we are not directly involved in the day to day care of a patient with dementia.  Also in the future I will be checking if patients with dementia have a 'This is Me' book with them, to ensure I can find ways to make the treatment less distressing.

Perhaps you are reading this and thinking I am not a health professional, but I want to know more. Maybe you have a family member or friend recently diagnosed.  Whilst there is a wealth of information available on the internet, provided by the various charities, I wanted to point you in the direction of a new initiative from the Alzheimers Society.  Dementia Friends offer you the chance to find out more about the illness and how to help people with dementia.  Lets all help make this an understood illness to make life less distressing for those diagnosed.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Saturday 25 April 2015

Retraining : The Final Push


In just six weeks time I will have officially finished my course. All assignments will be submitted, final exams completed, clinical placement finished and competencies achieved.  Yet this seems like the hardest part.  Having handed in my dissertation in the middle of March, I am struggling to get motivated for this final push.  I have one assignment to write, a verbal exam, or OSCD as we call them and four weeks of clinical time left.  With only three competencies left to complete, which will be done the first week back after assessment week, I can just get stuck in without worrying about achieving any competencies.  

Knowing that I am almost there is exciting and scary, especially as I have applied for my first job.  So now I just need to get motivated, complete the final requirements, then I can enjoy some time at home before I start my new career.  

Have a lovely weekend and until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Thursday 16 April 2015

Life Is Better With Cake

#betterwithcake
Outdoor Adventures


Yes I know that I like to promote a healthy lifestyle but it is true, life really is better with cake.  Over the past couple of weeks having the children at home has meant there have probably been more cake days than normal in our house.  After a trip to the park with a nice cup of tea, eaten at the forest after a rambling walk along the pathways between the trees and ferns or on warm sunny days on the beach with a picnic. My favourite time to sit and enjoy cake is after I have spent hours gardening and I sit with a cup of tea and usually a couple of the children, in the garden, admiring the view of my tidier flower beds and freshly mown lawn. 

#betterwithcake

There is something very comforting about a slice of cake, and we all love to bake but sometimes there just aren't enough hours in a day so this is when I rely on Mr Kipling to provide that sweet treat.  

I am sure you will all agree life really is better with cake.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

This post is an entry for #betterwithcake Linky Challenge (http://bit.ly/betterwithcake), sponsored by Mr Kipling. Learn more at   https://www.facebook.com/mrkiplingcakes

Friday 10 April 2015

A Summer of Festivals - Camp Bestival

There is a hint of warmer days ahead and with thoughts of summer we are starting to think about where we will be pitching our tent this summer.  Obviously I won't have the same degree of flexibility this summer as I start my new career, but panic not, I will be taking some annual leave to head to a festival or two with Andy and our children.  So I thought over the next few weeks I would share some of our favourites and those we want to try.


Camp Bestival is top of our list again this year, with a line up to rival previous years and a theme that is really exciting for us.  Being outdoors, enjoying the wild has been part of our lives for years so the Wild theme of our favourite festival is of course perfect, nevermind that Michaela Strachan and Steve Backshall being there and of course we loved the National Trust activities last year, especially climbing that huge tree.  So undoubtedly we will be heading to Dingly Dell early on the Friday! Of course the music line up is important too, there is always music on in our house and we all love sharing new finds and old tunes with each other.  With the Kaiser Chiefs, Clean Bandit and Ella Henderson included in the line up, everyone is happy, but for me it has to be Soul II Soul.  This band is the sound of the summers of my sixth form days.  Immediately I am taken back to the hazy days of being a teenager, planning my escape via university, lazing around with friends, just chilling and knowing that this hacienda will end again soon as our studies transplant us around the country.  


Obviously there is a plethora of other acts and activities, with the comedy line up press release landing in my inbox yesterday, including Marcus Brigstocke, Matt Richardson and Kerry Godliman. And with the promise of more acts to be announced I am sure Camp Bestival is heading for it's best year yet.  

To find out more about Camp Bestival or to book tickets, go on you know you want to....head over to the website...on your marks, get set go....www.campbestival.net

Have a fabulous weekend and until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo

Wednesday 8 April 2015

A Sporty School Holiday



This holiday I decided to take some time out for the first week, enjoying some family time, catching up on jobs around the house after being lost in my dissertation since Christmas.  Making time to do things with the children was also a priority as my weekends in recent weeks have been spent trying to stay on top of the housework and working on my research.  So I asked the girls what they wanted to do as the boys are busy revising for AS and GCSE exams.  With a great sports centre just a ten minute drive away that offers a varied programme during school holidays they planned which sessions to try. 

Rollerskating is always top of the list, so of course we went along to this, whizzing round a sports hall turned into a roller-disco for 90 minutes is great fun.  With skate hire included in the price it didn't matter that only Kitty's skates still fit.  Also roller skating is still a cool activity for teenage girls, so much so that Lucy asked to bring along a friend.  Next up was an athletics session, you may have seen my trackside photo (above) on Instagram earlier this morning.  For weeks make that months, Amber and Kitty have been asking to try these sessions, which also take place every Saturday.  So I thought this would be a great opportunity for them to have a taster session before being more committed to  chilly Saturday mornings trackside.  They both really enjoyed this morning and I think I will now be heading to the track more often! 

Tomorrow we will be heading back for a racket sports session. A combination of badminton, squash and tennis will mean the girls get a good all round idea of each of these sports.  Lucy already plays badminton regularly and Kitty has been wanting to try it properly for ages.  Apparently playing badminton in the garden doesn't count as a real game!  Amber is intrigued by squash and so I am hoping she isn't disappointed.

Are you lucky enough to have a great sports centre nearby?  Which sports have your children been trying during this school holiday?  I would love to hear, may even offer inspiration for the summer hols!

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo



Wednesday 25 March 2015

The Big 4-0!


Yes it is true, today I turn 40! I can't quite believe I am at this milestone birthday already but also have felt ready for it for a while.  In all honesty I am really excited to be entering a new decade. After a lot of soul searching and decision making during my thirties I now feel comfortable in my own skin and ready to be grown up, well a little bit more.  With my children getting older, everything gets a bit easier. Most of them are teenagers and yes that has it's own new set of problems, but touch wood, so far, we are doing ok. 

So my hair is a little greyer, (nothing a little dye can't hide), there are few more lines on my face, ( to show that I have enjoyed life)but I am happy, really happy. I have a wonderful husband and five amazing children who make me laugh everyday. In the next few weeks I will qualify as a therapeutic radiographer and embark on a new career, which is exciting and yes a little scary too.  I am truly blessed and am going to embrace this new decade, as maybe life does begin at 40, or just keeps getting better.

Have a lovely day and until next time take care.
Zoe
xo

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Making Plans


For the past week or so there has been a sense that Spring is just around the corner.  It's starting to get light when I leave the house at 6am and it is still light as I head to my car after a long day shift at 5.30pm.  These longer days make me feel less tired and also mean on the days I am at the hospital on placement I actually see daylight!  Also with my dissertation almost completed with less than three weeks until hand in day, I am starting to make plans.  

Thankfully I will have two weeks off for the Easter holidays, to rest and recuperate or actually to bake, get out in the garden, take some time to try some new recipes for dinners, read the pile of magazines I subscribe to that I have neglected.  All the things I love but because of my dissertation have been limited.  Suddenly I will have time again! Yes I need to revise for my exam at the beginning of May and think about my final assignment. But I am also going to make time to do all the other things I love.  My word for this year is embrace and so far I have encompassed this in everything I have done.  So for the Easter holidays I am going to embrace the fact that I have some free time.  This is really important to me as I will hopefully be starting a full time job from July, once qualified, so this is effectively my last lazy student break.  

Aswell as making the most of the Easter hols we are starting, as a family, to think about the Summer.  Plans for the agrden are taking shape, decorating jobs are being planned and we are hoping to head back to Lulworth Castle for Camp Bestival.  This is our favourite weekend of the year, a time we all can switch off our phones and enjoy some uninterrupted family time.  Another job on my list for the Easter hols is to finally sort out the photos from last years Camp Bestival to pop into frames of create some fun collages.  

Are you busy making plans now the days are getting longer?  I would love to hear what you have planned.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo